Silver & shell triple cased verge by Edward Prior

This is London silver and shell, triple cased pocket watch, with Turkish dial. These are rarely found in such exceptionally good condition.

MOVEMENT : Gilded movement with very ornate crested pillars, and engraved and pierced balance cock. Blued steel screws and polished steel balance wheel.

The movement is signed “Edwd. Prior, London” and numbered (63528). It is in excellent condition with just some light scratches around the pillar tops. Running well.

DIAL : The white signed enamel dial, with Turkish numerals, is in perfect condition.
Good 19th century blued steel beetle and poker hands.

SILVER INNER CASE : Full London hallmarks for 1866/67, maker’s marks WCS.

Very good condition throughout, with just some scratches around the catch, and a tiny dint on the back. The hinge and very high dome crystal are fine, and the bezel snaps shut nicely.

SILVER SECOND CASE : London hallmarks for 1867/68.

The catch and hinge are fine and the case snaps shut nicely. Just some wear to the catch button, but otherwise good.

SILVER/SHELL THIRD CASE : The construction is of a brass base with silver rims.
In very good condition with good colour and no restoration.

Maker’s mark WCS which matches the inner.

The shell covering is almost complete, with just 3 very small chips on the edge of the back. There is one short crack on the back, from the hinge, and a few light scratches. Nearly all of the silver pins are present, with just 9 from the bezel and also 9 from the back missing. The hinge and catch are fine and the case closes nicely. Just a very small dent to the catch button.

Edward Prior is listed in London between 1812 and 1868. Like his father, George, who he succeeded, Prior specialized in watches for the Eastern market. He was making verge watches of 18th century style, still popular in this market, into the late 19th century, and this is a very late example.
The case maker is William Caleb Scott, Islington, London.